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Secret Angels

Posted by Debby on August 30, 2010

An “angel” is a messenger, and we have a group of ladies designated as “secret angels” at every retreat. These ladies “secretly” deliver treats and remembrances to all of the ladies in attendance. When at a hotel, this means using a time when the meetings are not in session to put a treat or retreat remembrance at every seat. When we were much smaller and meeting in a retreat center where this was possible, it might have meant putting a mint or a chocolate treat on each lady’s pillow.

These special deliveries are done several times during a retreat weekend. One time, the secret angel will leave a sweet treat or treat bag. Later during the weekend, the secret angel may hand out the retreat bookmark or a fancy chocolate. Prior to the final session, the secret angels deliver the retreat remembrances.

Yes, the women could just pick these up as they walk in to the session, and we wouldn’t need secret angels. But this is a fun way to involve a couple women in serving behind the scenes. And discovering what awaits them each session is a sweet surprise for our ladies.

Posted in: Little Things Make a Big Difference!, Retreat and Event Planning

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Pros and Cons – Hotel

Posted by Debby on August 27, 2010

In determining a location for your retreat, you can choose from basically two general categories: hotels and retreat camps. We have held retreats in both over the years. This year, we again looked into hotels and retreat camps, comparing amenities and costs. We listed our Pros and Cons for a Retreat Camp. These are our thought on hotels:

HOTEL – Pros

Rooms are private and comfortable;
Cleanliness;
More staff available to meet needs;
Possibly better equipment and set-up (lighting, tables, podium, etc.);
Weather issues are a non-issue with everything under one roof;
Food quality may be better with better selection and service;
Food can be served according to our schedule;
More conducive environment for older or disable guests.

HOTEL – Cons

Generally more expensive than a retreat camp, depending on accommodations;
Other groups and functions at the hotel can be a distraction;
Traffic in the city;
Fire drills (and yes, we have experienced fire drills in the middle of the night more than once!);
Bar in the lobby may create a worldly atmosphere;
Not allowed to provide your own snacks in the meeting room for the group;
Staff may be too busy to be attentive to your group.

Posted in: Location, Location, Location, Retreat and Event Planning

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Lessons from Aaron and Hur (Part 1)

Posted by Debby on August 25, 2010

In Exodus 17:8-13, we read of the battle of Israel with the army of Amalek. Moses stood at the top of the hill with the rod of God in his hand. As long as Moses held up the staff, the Israelites had the advantage; but when he lowered the staff, the Amalekites gained the upper hand. When Moses’ arms became too tired, Aaron and Hur, who were with him, found a stone for him to sit on, and then they stood on either side of him, holding up his arms and keeping the rod of God in the air. Somehow, holding up the “rod of God” was significant to the outcome of the battle. As a result, Joshua and his troops crushed the army of Amalek.

There are many lessons to be derived from this event, particularly for those of us who work beside our pastor’s wife or another leader in the women’s ministry. First, we need to recognize that it was not Moses that gained the victory; it was God, working in their midst, as symbolized by the rod of God which Moses held up. The rod of God indicated that Moses looked to God alone for the victory and did not trust in man. Victory depended on the power of God. But, of course, Moses on his own, got weary. So Aaron and Hur coming alongside Moses at this critical time made the difference between victory and defeat.

Moses was the one the people looked to and recognized as their leader. He had a great burden of responsibility–to hold his hands in the air, elevating the rod of God, until victory was achieved. And yet, he was just a human being. He got weary; his arms grew weak. He could not do it alone.

This relates to our leaders. God has put one (perhaps our pastor’s wife) in leadership of the women’s ministry, and the ladies recognize her authority. They look to see her leading them, and feel secure when she is present and in charge. But she cannot do it all by herself. Your leader may have a young family or aging parents to care for; she may have a full-time job, deal with chronic illness, or have other permanent or temporary issues which also demand her time and energy. She needs those to come alongside and “hold up her arms.” (For more on Aaron and Hur, go to Part 2)

Posted in: Inspirations, Realities of Ministry

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Journey to Retreat 2010 – August

Posted by Debby on August 24, 2010

Our August leaders’ meeting was held this week. We are now barely three months away from the retreat, and some of our leaders have already been very busy with preparations.

Registration materials have been developed and printed, and registration packets have already been sent out to sister churches. All registration materials are ready to go, although it will be a month before we start registration at our church.
We reviewed the “results” of the retreat planning meeting (which was not well attended), and proposed other ways of presenting the retreat opportunities to our women who may want to serve. We will be bringing the sign-up sheets for the retreat to the women’s Bible study. We may also make them available after Sunday service in the Fellowship Hall, and at the Welcome Center when women pick up registration information next month.
We will make sure that a flyer insert for the bulletin is created so that it will be ready when registration for the retreat opens in mid-September. Up to that point, there will just be regular bulletin announcements so that our ladies will be kept informed and can plan ahead.

Besides the leaders involved in very preliminary things like organization, registration and retreat planning, the rest of us are just beginning to get on top of our areas of responsibility. Skit writing will begin in the next two weeks. Our quiet time activity is being planned. The schedule is being developed. Books for book reviews are being determined. Supplies for decorations are being gathered. By our September meeting, every area should have progress to report.

Posted in: Journey to Retreat 2010

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Pros and Cons – Retreat Camp

Posted by Debby on August 23, 2010

In determining a location for your overnight retreat, you can choose from two general categories: hotels and retreat camps. We have held retreats at both over the years. This year, we again checked out hotels and nearby camps where our retreat could be held, comparing amenities and costs. So we decided to give you our list of pros and cons for each. Perhaps you can think of others! Let’s begin with the retreat camp:

RETREAT CAMP – Pros

Often located outside of the city, where there is more opportunity for actual scenery, less city noise, closer to nature and a feeling of “getting away”;
Less crowded;
Often, there are different accommodation options available, ranging from hotel rooms to cabins to dorms;
Generally, a retreat camp is a little less expensive, depending on your accommodations;
Many retreat camps are Christian-owned and operated, meaning that you are mostly dealing with Christians;
May accomodate smaller groups without requiring room commitment;
Often, you can bring your own snacks into the meeting room;
More opportunity for outdoor activities, such as hiking, outdoor sports, water activities, etc.

RETREAT CAMP – Cons

Weather can be an issue because moving to meeting area or cafeteria often requires a walk outside;
Often, retreat camps are out of town and require more driving in unfamiliar territory;
Camp food often leans toward the higher fat, more carbohydrate filled “comfort” food (expect gravy!);
Food may be served cafeteria style, on their schedule;
Meeting rooms may be less comfortable, less conducive to media use;
Possibly less privacy and more rustic bathrooms;
Beds less comfortable, and you may have to bring your own bedding; and many camps still have bunk beds for certain levels of accommodations;
Dorms may present challenges due to loud sleepers, late-nighters, early risers, etc.;
Bunk beds may be an option, presenting difficulties for those sleeping in the top bunk;
May present physical challenges for older or disabled guests;
Depending on how rustic the camp is, sewer problems can be an issue;
Bugs and critters (need we say more?).

Posted in: Location, Location, Location, Retreat and Event Planning

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